Perspectives on the beautiful game of soccer; fueled by enormous amounts of coffee

Wednesday, July 23, 2008

Sangre americana preview: Castillo

New Mexico native Edgar Castillo took a shot with Santos Laguna as an 18-year-old. Winning an open tryout, he eventually earned a chance at playing in the first division. At the age of 22, Castillo is an established member of the reigning Mexican league champion and a budding star with the national team.

Here's how he stands entering the Apertura 2008 season.

Castillo enjoyed his finest season as a pro in the Clausura 2008. He not only played a key role on the club, he also hoisted his first leauge trophy. A stalwart on the left side, Castillo may play a bit more centrally in the absence of Daniel Luduena. Santos' creative central midfielder is recovering from knee surgery and did not participate in any of Santos' SuperLiga games.

If and when Luduena returns, Castillo will probably shuffle back to the left side of the field. Along with right-sided player Francisco Torres, Castillo gives Santos a blazing speed burner in what could be one of the fastest wide combinations in Mexico.

Barring injury, Castillo should blossom into one of the league's most dangerous left-sided players - if he isn't there already.

Castillo may also break through on the senior side. While he already has a pair of caps for the full national team under his belt, those came with the team ex-coach Hugo Sanchez assembled for Olympic qualifying. Castillo also participated on the ill-fated squad but did not do damage to his personal cause. He could be an option for new coach Sven-Goran Eriksson, though the left side is seemingly Andres Guardado's domain.

1 comment:

I know I'm in the minority but I'm not sold on Castillo. The boy, much like Alberto "Venado" Medina, seems too much like a one trick pony.

He has benefited from being a relative unknown and the fact that Mexican defenders tend to not respect players that are 'unproven.' This season, however, you will see him tested to a greater degree by defenders and I have my doubts if he possesses the skills to pass the test.